ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
I2U2 Group Leaders Meeting on Food Security & other issues
According to Ministry of External Affairs, there is no proposal to form I2U2 consortium to develop agriculture and its allied technology to increase productivity. However, Prime Ministers of India and Israel, Presidents of USA and UAE convened the first leaders’ meeting of the “I2U2” Group. This unique grouping of countries aims to tackle challenges confronting the world with a particular focus on joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. To this end, the I2U2 leaders highlighted for initiative on Food Security under which there will be development of series of integrated food parks across India.
Further on the margins of I2U2 Business Forum, India has joined the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate  on 22 February, 2023 by signing the letter of intent. AIM4C was launched by the UAE and the US at Conference of Parties-26  and includes Israel as a partner among 140 other governmental and non-governmental entities. AIM4C seeks to address climate change and global hunger by uniting partners to significantly increase the investment in and other support for climate smart agriculture and food systems innovation for the period of five years .
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India signed a Work Plan Programon 24th May 2021 for 3 years  with Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Israel to accomplish the completion of the Centers of Excellence  by bringing them to operational stage, development of Value Chain and Hi-tech agriculture for production of quality planting material in fruits and vegetable crops.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri
Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Development of Small Scale Industries
The Government has announced various relief measures for several sectors under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and has taken a number of initiatives to support the MSME Sector in the country, especially in Covid-19 pandemic situation. Some of them are:
- Rs 20,000 crore Subordinate Debt for Micro Small & Medium Enterprises.
- Rs. 3 lakh crores Collateral free Automatic Loans for business, including MSMEs.
- Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds.
- New revised criteria for classification of MSMEs. Retail and wholesale trades are also included under MSMEs.
- New Registration of MSMEs through 'Udyam Registration' for Ease of Doing Business.
- No global tenders for procurement up to Rs. 200 crores.
The Ministry of MSME implements various schemes and programmes for growth and development of MSME Sector in the country, including in the State of Haryana. These schemes and programmes include Prime Minister’s Employment Generation programme , Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries , A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship , Interest Subvention Scheme for Incremental Credit to MSMEs, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises, Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme , Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Technology Upgradation Scheme .
Studies have been conducted by National Small Industries Corporation and Khadi and Village Industries Commission to assess the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on MSMEs, including units set up under PMEGP.
A Help-Desk & Facilitation Centre has been set up in Directorate General of Trade Remedies, which deals with the trade remedial measures, including anti-dumping measures. This Help Desk & Facilitation Centre is an institutional arrangement to facilitate optimal utilization of available trade remedial measures by different stakeholders.
Its functions inter-alia include:-
- Disseminate information to Domestic Industry  regarding various Trade Remedies.
- Hand-hold DI, especially MSMEs, in filing trade remedial petitions.
- Guide MSMEs to remove 'data gaps' while filing applications.
- Guide the Indian exporters facing Trade Remedial Investigations in other countries.
- Provide information regarding available Non-Tariff Measures to Domestic Industry and advise them to avail the same with the support of concerned Administrative Ministry/ Department.
- Provide information regarding estimated time lines for completion of various procedures and for disposal of cases.
This information was given by Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
MJPS/MS
(Visitor Counter : 1696
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Visits Kingdom of Thailand
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official bilateral visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 27 to 28 August 2018. Raksha Mantri held bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of ThailandHis Excellency Gen. PrawitWongsuwon in Bangkok, today. She also called on Prime Minister of Thailand His Excellency Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha.
During the meetings, both sides discussed a gamut of issues relating to defence cooperation between India and Thailand. The Ministers welcomed the positive momentum and substantive content of ongoing bilateral defence engagement and discussed measures to further enhance and deepen defence cooperation between India and Thailand.
It was decided to step up military-to-military engagement by commencing bilateral navy exercises. In addition, both countries will explore enhancement of ongoing joint exercises, the MAITREE counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism Army Exercise as well as their SIAM BHARAT Air Force exercise. Both sides would also expand cooperation on maritime security, focussing on greater sharing of information to develop Maritime Domain Awareness. Raksha Mantri offered additional training opportunities for the Royal Thai Army in India, including through tailor made courses in specialised areas, which was welcomed by Thailand.
The Ministers also discussed stepping up defence industry and R&D cooperation. The two sides identified specific areas for such engagement and would discuss this further through institutionalised dialogue mechanisms.
Raksha Mantri and the Thai leadership also discussed regional security developments. Both sides noted complementarities in their approaches to the Indo-Pacific region and decided to hold regular consultations on issues of mutual interest.
Raksha Mantri welcomed Thailand’s forthcoming Chairmanship of ASEAN and as the ASEAN country coordinator for India, which would create additional pathways for engagement between India and Thailand, including under the ADMM Plus framework. In this context, the Defence Minister of Thailand welcomed India’s initiative to host the inaugural BIMSTEC Army Exercise and Conclave of Chiefs in India in September 2018 and confirmed Thailand’s participation.
SRR/NAo/Nampi/Rajib
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Prime Minister's Office
PM receives congratulatory messages by world leaders on Chandrayaan-3
Many world leaders have conveyed congratulatory messages to India on successful Moon landing by Chandrayaan-3.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has thanked them for their wishes by replying to them on X.
On message by the Vice President of United States, the Prime Minister posted on X;
On message by the Prime Minister of Mauritius, the Prime Minister posted on X;
On message by the Prime Minister of Italy, the Prime Minister posted on X;
On message by the Prime Minister of Japan, the Prime Minister posted on X;
On message by the Prime Minister of Ireland, the Prime Minister posted on X;
On message by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Prime Minister posted on X;
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Immediate relief to over 28 thousand FCV Tobacco farmers affected by Cyclone Mandous in Andhra Pradesh
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles has accorded approval for Rs. 28.11 crore to extend special interest free loan @ of Rs.10,000/- to each member of Tobacco Board’s Growers’ Welfare Schemes under Southern Regions  of Andhra Pradesh from the Tobacco Growers’ Welfare Fund which will directly benefit 28,112 farmers.
This measure will help the FCV Tobacco farmers overcome the damage caused by Mandous Cyclonic rains and would greatly help the growers to take up immediate damage mitigation measures.
FCV tobacco is a major commercial crop grown in 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh with an annual production of 121 m.kg  grown in an area of 66,000 ha. FCV tobacco is the major exportable tobacco variety of the total unmanufactured tobacco exports from India. Out of the total unmanufactured tobacco exports , FCV tobacco exports accounted for 53.62 % in terms of quantity and 68.47 % in terms of value during FY 2021-22.
FCV Tobacco growers sell their produce through e-auction platform developed and operated by Tobacco Board, through a transparent process ensuring fair and remunerative prices to farmers.
The interest-free loan to the eligible FCV Tobacco farmers will be administered by Tobacco Board, a statutory body under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Ministry of Culture
Culture Ministry organises panel discussions on the occasion of International Museum Day 2021 today
Shri Prahlad Singh Patel highlights importance of museums and cultural spaces in bringing our cultural wealth to the masses
International Museum Day falls on 18 May every year.The objective of International Museum Day ,as declared by International Council of Museums, is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”
The theme for International Museum Day 2021 is ‘The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine’.
On this occasion, Ministry of Culture , Government of India organised a series of panel discussions to reflect upon the reimagined priorities of the culture sector especially in the context of the worldwide Covid pandemic, and the role of museums therein.
The Minister of State for Culture and Tourism ,Shri Prahlad Singh Patel delivered the keynote address at one such virtual program of Ministry of Culture on International Museum Day 2021 today.
Highlighting the importance of Culture, Sh Patel said that Culture is a true reflection of development and level of civilisation of a country. India is a storehouse of archaeological treasures and its cultural richness is world famous. However, what we may have lacked ,is excellence in showcasing our boundless culture in the manner it is done abroad . Museums play a pivotal role in showcasing our culture in different ways that interests people. We must createmore cultural spaces for exhibiting our cultural wealth to bring it to the masses,which is also a dream of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister urged.
Sh Prahlad Singh Patel said that scientific documentation may not be available formany of our traditions and knowledge which have been carried forward through ‘Shruti’ and ‘Smriti’ . This is another challenge faced by our historians and conservationists. “ We have to present the correct history and facts and museums can contribute to it in a big way”, the Minister added. The Minister expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to museum development movement and continue to do so, thereby bringing the richness of our culture to the masses.
Two panel discussions were organised at today’s programme with the following themes : i)Re-imagining Museum & Culture Study Programs to Create New Pathways to the Future , and ii) The many Shades of Online Interaction & Engagement and What it Means for Museums. Experts from various fields like culture, museology, educationists in field of Cultural Business Program, anthropology, heritage among others participated in the panel discussions.
Ministry of Finance
Government to move ahead with reforms for building institutions and improving public service delivery
Every Individual enterprise to be assigned a Unique Id
Three public sector general insurance companies to be merged into one
The Government has taken up several important reforms for building institutions and improving public service delivery across the country over the last three and a half years. While presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in the Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitely said while AADHAR has provided identity to every Indian, every enterprise, big or small, also needs a unique ID. The Government will evolve a scheme to assign every individual enterprise in India a unique ID, the Finance Minister announced.
Further, capital of the Food Corporation of India will be restructured to enhance equity and to raise long-term debt for meeting its standing working capital requirement. Budgeting of Government of India’s contribution in equity and debt of the metro ventures floated by the State Governments will also be streamlined, the Finance Minister stated.
The Government has approved listing of 14 Central Public Sector Enterprises , including two insurance companies, on the stock exchanges. Shri Jaitely said that the process of acquisition of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation by the ONGC has been successfully completed. Three public sector general insurance companies National Insurance Company Ltd., United India Assurance Company Limited and Oriental India Insurance Company Limited will be merged into a single insurance entity and will be subsequently listed.
The Finance Minister also announced that the Government will formulate a comprehensive Gold Policy to develop gold as an asset class. The Government will also establish a system of consumer friendly and trade efficient system of regulated gold exchanges in the country. Gold Monetization Scheme will be revamped to enable people to open a hassle-free Gold Deposit Account.
Ministry of Finance
DRI intercepts two passengers from Ethiopia carrying cocaine at Mumbai Airport
: Mumbai, December 3, 2022
On the basis of intelligence cultivated by DRI Mumbai two passengers who came from Addis Ababa to Mumbai by Ethopian Airlines flight ET-640 today , were intercepted at the CSMI Airport Mumbai. On Examination of their luggage four empty hand bags were recovered. The hand bags were cut opened and 2 plastic pouches were recovered from each hand bag. A total of 8 plastic pouches containing powdery substance were recovered. The powdery substance was tested with narcotics field testing kit and the same tested positive for “Cocaine” a substance covered under NDPS Act 1985.
Both the passengers are foreign nationals viz one male aged 27 from Kenya and one female aged 30 from Guinea..the male passenger is a clown by profession and the female passenger is engaged in ladies clothing business.
The weight of the recovered substance purported to be cocaine is 1794 grams valued at approx 18 Crore ₹ in Illicit Market.
The passengers are being interrogated for the intended beneficiary in India.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacts with Defence Civilian Employees’ Federations on issues related to OFB Corporatisation
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held an interaction with the three recognised Defence Civilian Employees’ Federations, namely All India Defence Employees’ Federation, Indian National Defence Workers’ Federation & Bhartiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh on the issues related to Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board  in New Delhi on July 16, 2021. The meeting was conducted in a very congenial atmosphere, in which the Raksha Mantri gave patient hearing to the concerns expressed by the Federations on OFB Corporatisation.
The Federations stated various points, mainly seeking a last chance to improve OFB performance while continuing in the present set-up for some more years; the Essential Defence Services Ordinance 2021 not to be converted into an Act; protecting the service conditions of the OFB employees post-corporatisation and ensuring work load for the new corporate entities.
Secretary  Shri Raj Kumar clarified that the new Corporate entities would be 100% Government owned and suggested that further discussions with the employees’ representatives should continue with the Department to identify specific issues, which can be brought before the Empowered Group of Ministers from time to time.
Shri Rajnath Singh assured that the interests of the employees would be protected while implementing the decision of OFB corporatisation. He appealed to the Federations to continue discussions with the Department and issues, if any, would be considered sympathetically by the Empowered Group of Ministers under his Chairmanship.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Startup India ecosystem gets big boost by DPIIT
The Prime Minister of India has launched a nation-wide celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence. The initiative is a 75-week countdown to the 75th Independence Day of India starting from 12th March 2021. It embodies all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political, and economic identity and is dedicated to the people of India who have been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey, fueled by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade , Ministry of Commerce and Industry is celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Week from the 20th of September 2021 to the 26th of September 2021. The role of states in promoting the Startup ecosystem has been pivotal for India’s journey towards a leading global Startup hub. In the light of promoting and celebrating the Startup India initiative during the said week, Startup India is coordinating with the below States and Union Territories to organize/participate in startup events.
- Uttarakhand
- Meghalaya
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Telangana
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Haryana
- Assam
The aim of the initiative is to foster entrepreneurship on the ground. The activities/programs conducted by the above states in association with Startup India consist of diverse programs, launch of key initiatives, inaugural of startup summits, and launch of startup policies, etc. The programs under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Week will have a long-lasting impact on the entire startup ecosystem of India.
The above states are at different stages of the Startup ecosystem, i.e., ranging from emerging ecosystem to best performing ecosystem. To keep the interests of the Startup ecosystem in line, a wide range of themeshave been chosen to conduct these programs as per the ecosystem's needs. The themes vary from - Knowledge on Trademarking and Patents, Investments, Marketing, Mentorship, Regulations, Procurement, Community building, etc. Programs around these themes will equip entrepreneurs with immense knowledge to scale their existing venture to the next stage.
PIB Headquarters
13500 US Dollars seized by Customs at Chennai Airport
On Saturday one Thameem Ansari, 26, of Chennai, who was bound for Kuala Lampur by Batik Air Flight ID 6019 was intercepted at the security hold area of departure hall on suspicion of carrying undercleared currency. His personal search as well as search of his baggage was carried out. 13500 US Dollars in denominations of 100 equivalent to Rs.9.53 lakhs were found concealed in his hand baggage. The same were recovered and was seized under Customs Act 1962.
Further Investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport, Chennai.
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Competition Commission of India
CCI approves proposed combination involving acquisition of shareholding up to 59.38% of Unichem Laboratories Limited by Ipca Laboratories Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approves the proposed combination involving acquisition of shareholding up to 59.38% of Unichem Laboratories Limited by Ipca Laboratories Limited.
Ipca Laboratories Limited  is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients for various therapeutic segments.
Unichem Laboratories Limited  is active in the sale of formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and contract manufactured finished formulation dosages, globally.
The proposed combination pertains to proposed acquisition of ~33.38% of the issued and paid-up equity voting share capital  of the Target by the Acquirer pursuant to a share purchase agreement. Further, since the Acquirer is acquiring >25% shareholding in the Target, which is a listed company, the Acquirer is required to make an open offer for the purchase of equity shares up to 26% of the Target’s equity share capital in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India  Regulations, 2011. Accordingly, the Acquirer will acquire up to 59.38% shareholding of the Target .
The CCI approved the proposed combination subject to compliance of undertaking voluntarily submitted by the Parties.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Culture
3 monuments of Andhra Pradesh Identified as “Adarsh Smarak” for providing additional facilities: Shri G Kishan Reddy
Key Highlights
- Monuments at Nagarjunakonda, Budhhist Remains at Salihundam and Veerabhadra Temple identified as 'Adarsh Smarak' in Andhra Pradesh
-Additional facilities to be provided at an Adarsh Smarak include Wi-Fi, Cafeteria, Interpretation centre, Brail signages, Illumination etc
- Fort at Gandikota included in Governement’s Adopt-a-Heritage scheme
- 135 Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites in Andhra Pradesh
There are 135 Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Providing amenities and facilities at centrally protected monuments/sites and upgradation thereof is a continuous phenomenon.
Three monuments of Andhra Pradesh namely  Monuments at Nagarjunakonda, District Guntur  Budhhist Remains at Salihundam, District Srikakulam, and  Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi in District Anantapuram have been identified as Adarsh Smarak for providing additional facilities like Wi-Fi, Cafeteria, Interpretation centre, Brail signages, Illumination, etc. Further, Fort at Gandikota has been included in the Adopt-a-Heritage scheme of Ministry of Tourism, which is PPP mode.
Conservation, Preservation and environmental development in and around Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites is taken up according to annual conservation programme drawn on the basis of need and priority.
This information was given by the Minister for Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha Today.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with Dr. Himla Soodyall, noted geneticist & CEO of the Academy of Science of South Africa
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Dr. Himla Soodyall, noted geneticist & CEO of the Academy of Science of South Africa in Johannesburg on 24 August 2023.
They exchanged views on the domain of human genetic lines and its application in disease screening.
Prime Minister invited Dr. Soodyall to collaborate with Indian institutes in the field of genetics.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of Shri Suresh Angadi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Shri Suresh Angadi, MoS Railways.
The Prime Minister said, "Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti."